Clare Labour Deputy Michael McNamara was suspended from Dail Eireann this week. The TD was suspended for three days following a heated exchange with the Ceann Comhairle. Deputy McNamara clashed with Dáil chairman Seán Barrett, after he had raised objections to the International Protection Bill being guillotined. A vote was later called, confirming the Scariff TD's suspension. Deputy McNamara told Clare FM he's disappointed, but he believes legislation should be debated fully, rather than being rushed through.
Responding to the launch this week of the HSE Service Plan for 2016, Justin Moran of Age Action told Gavin that not enough is being done to support the elderly in our healthcare system.
We learned this week that heart failure patients at mercy of ‘postcode lottery’. A new report showed that survival trends and hospital re-admission rates were “dramatically” impacted by “patchy” distribution of hospital services around the country. The Cost of Heart Failure in Ireland report found a “profound regional disparity” in services and outcomes. Dr Angie Brown of Irish Heart Foundation, a Consultant Cardiologist, spoke to Gavin about the report’s findings.
Homelessness is on the rise in the Midwest. An organisation for the homeless which operates in a number of counties including Clare says it's seen a 130 percent jump over the last five years in demand for its services. The Limerick-based Novas Initiative provided support to 2,219 individuals in 2014, compared to 961 in 2010. Novas’ annual report for 2014 described this rise in demand as “unprecedented”, and said that 23% percent of those who sought help did not receive it as the organisation was over-subscribed. It said this included 58 percent of those who sought temporary supported accommodation, as “demand continually outstripped capacity”. It said 60 percent of Novas’ clients were female, “highlighting the rise in female homelessness, and, in turn, family homelessness”. The report said 56 percent of all the people accessing a Novas facility were doing so for the first time. Gavin spoke with Una Burns Communications and Development Coordinator for Novas Initiative.
In the run-up to Christmas, suicide and self-harm charity Pieta House called on people to be mindful of each other — particularly as we make the sometimes difficult transition from Christmas into January and the New Year. Gavin spoke to Tom McEvoy Pieta House Fundraising & Advocacy Officer, based in Ennis.
County councils are to be given new powers to introduce even lower speed limits in housing estates and other residential areas. Local authorities already have the power to lower the limit to 30 kilometres an hour – but new legislation would allow an even lower limit of 20 kilometres an hour. The move follows a campaign by the mother of 6-year-old Jake Brennan, who died after a car accident outside his home in a housing estate in Co Kilkenny. Rita Malone's son, Oran, was knocked down at a housing estate in Ardnacrusha more than a year ago. Thankfully, he survived, but has had a long recovery. Rita has since campaigned on Jake's Law and worked with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to raise awareness of the need to curb speed in residential areas. Rita told Gavin that she welcomes the new powers for local authorities but believes that they must be enforced – this, she believes, requires funding and a major change in the mindset of drivers.
Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch spoke to the new Chairperson of Clare County Board, Joe Cooney.
Gavin heard about a new book on 'Big Jim' Larkin from author and academic, Dr Emmet O'Connor of University of Ulster.
Gavin discussed the secret to a great cup of tea with Conor Naughton from Suas Coffee House, O'Connell St., Ennis and Joe.ie journalist, Tony Cuddihy.
Clare FM’s Siofra Mulqueen presented a special report from Chapel Lane Christmas Market, Ennis.
With Clare FM Christmas Charity Busking event taking place again, Gavin was joined by Clare FM’s Donal O Loinsigh and some traditional musicians who raised valuable funds for Clare Haven services.
